Let’s just say you’re correct (you’re not) that all teams who tank do it, win for 3-4 years and then suck ass again: wouldn’t that be a good problem to have? They were 90 feet away from back to back championships. The argument could also be made that the Royals, being a small market team and all, couldn’t afford to keep all of their guys around. The Sox, meanwhile, *should* be able to keep the main guys if it all works out. Unless you’re LAD, NYY, BOS, or the Cubs, some of those stars will have to leave.
Like someone else mentioned, the Cubs and Houston are going to be in the playoffs for the next 10 years. The Braves’ rebuild are looking good & Cincy’s farm is getting there too. Not sure why you picked one organization who successfully tanked just to help your point.
I think you’re getting two options mixed up. Typically loading up on FA’s is the way to only compete for a year or three, although that’s only if you get lucky. Rebuilding (“tanking”) is the way to sustain success for years if done properly.